Narirutin fraction from citrus peels attenuates alcoholic liver disease in mice

This study aimed to demonstrate protective activities of the narirutin fraction from peels of Citrus unshiu against ethanol-induced hepatic damage through an animal study. Citrus narirutin fraction (CNF), contained 75% of narirutin, was obtained by an ultra-sonicated extraction and further purification. ICR mice were divided into four groups; normaldiet control, ethanol control (6.5 g ethanol/kg), low-CNF (ethanol + 150 mg CNF/kg) and high-CNF (ethanol + 300 mg CNF/kg) groups. Consumption of alcohol for 8 weeks induced severe liver damage with increases in prognostic indicators such as aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase in serum whereas co-administration of CNF suppressed their increases. Excessive accumulations in liver TG and TC in ethanol control group were also suppressed by co-administration of CNF. Co-administration of CNF maintained SOD activity, GSH and malondialdehyde levels close to those of the normal diet group. Chronic consumption of alcohol also stimulated abrupt increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines such as nuclear factor (NF)-κB, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β in liver otherwise co-administration of CNF effectively suppressed production of these cytokines dose-dependently. These results indicate that co-administration of CNF with alcohol can alleviate alcohol induced liver damage through preventing lipid formation, protecting antioxidant system and suppressing productions of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

► We evaluated the protective effect of CNF from Citrus unshiu peels against ethanol-induced hepatic damage. ► Co-administration of CNF along with alcohol suppressed such increases in prognostic indicators of hepatic damage. ► CNF may provide a potential therapeutic approach for alcoholic liver diseases.